Pronunciations (3)
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/ˈsiːz/
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[ˈsɪi̯z]
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siːz
Verb
To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
Usage- Transitive
To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to seize smuggled goods
to seize a ship after libeling
To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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a panic seized the crowd
a fever seized him
More examples (1)
This sensation of an object becoming alive is a characteristic that, I believe, seizes all viewers of a van Gogh. The Bible goes beyond being a simple still-life object to become a living thing, an expression of strength, an existence that emanates from itself, beyond the painting surface to participate in our very lives.
To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to seize two fish-hooks back to back
to seize or stop one rope on to another
To fasten, fix.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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to seize on the neck of a horse
The text which had seized upon his heart with such comfort and strength abode upon him for more than a year.
To have a seizure.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Nearing what she thought was a climax, he started seizing and fell off her. Later, realizing he was dead, she became alarmed and dragged the body to his vehicle to make it look like he had died in his truck.
To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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Rust caused the engine to seize, never to run again.
To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.
Usage- UK usage
- Intransitive
[with of] To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).
- Examples
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This Court will remain seized of this matter.
Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Chocolate seizes if a small amount of water (or watery liquid such as brandy) finds its way into the chocolate while it is melting. […] If chocolate seizes, it will look grainy and matte rather than glossy and smooth.
Verb
take into your hands deliberately
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter
She clutched her purse
More examples (3)
The mother seized her child by the arm
Birds of prey often seize small mammals
A crazy idea took hold of him
take or capture by force
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The terrorists seized the politicians
The rebels threaten to seize civilian hostages
take possession of by force, as after an invasion
- Synonyms
- Examples
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the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
The army seized the town
More examples (1)
The militia captured the castle
take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The FBI seized the drugs
The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
More examples (1)
The police confiscated the stolen artwork
seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
- Broader terms
- Examples
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He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
he usurped my rights
More examples (1)
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
hook by a pull on the line
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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strike a fish
affect
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Fear seized the prisoners
The patient was seized with unbearable pains
More examples (1)
He was seized with a dreadful disease
capture the attention or imagination of
- Synonyms
- Examples
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This story will grab you
The movie seized my imagination